What is the primary function of red blood cells?
- A. To transport nutrients
- B. To transport oxygen
- C. To fight infection
- D. To produce antibodies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the production of energy. Red blood cells do not primarily transport nutrients, fight infection, or produce antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because while red blood cells do carry some nutrients, their primary function is to transport oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because immune cells, not red blood cells, are responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells, not red blood cells.
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Which of the following constituents of blood is a biconcave disc that is round and flat without a nucleus?
- A. Plasma
- B. Platelet
- C. RBC
- D. WBC
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, RBC (Red Blood Cell). Red blood cells are biconcave discs that lack a nucleus, allowing them to carry oxygen efficiently. Plasma (A) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances. Platelets (B) are cell fragments important for blood clotting. White blood cells (WBCs) (D) are part of the immune system and have a nucleus.
What are the finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine called?
- A. Crypts of Lieberk¼hn
- B. Goblet cells
- C. Villi
- D. Paneth cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A) Crypts of Lieberk¼hn are small pits in the lining of the small intestine that contain cells involved in the production of intestinal juices, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.
B) Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.
C) Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food.
D) Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial substances, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.
What is the scientific name for the common housefly?
- A. Musca domestica
- B. Drosophila melanogaster
- C. Apis mellifera
- D. Anopheles gambiae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Musca domestica is the scientific name for the common housefly. This species is known for being a common pest found in and around human habitations. Drosophila melanogaster (option B) is a species of fruit fly commonly used in genetic research. Apis mellifera (option C) is the scientific name for the western honeybee. Anopheles gambiae (option D) is a species of mosquito known for being a vector of malaria.
How does sunscreen protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays?
- A. By reflecting UV rays away from the skin
- B. By absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat
- C. By blocking UV rays completely
- D. By stimulating melanin production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. This mechanism helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Reflecting UV rays away from the skin (option A) is not the primary function of sunscreen. While sunscreen does block UV rays, it does not do so completely (option C) as some UV rays may still penetrate the skin. Sunscreen does not stimulate melanin production (option D) as a means of protecting the skin from UV rays.
The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for
- A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
- B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
- C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
- D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.